Wellington Rugby Launches Innovative New Programme for Women and Girls
Wellington Pride Head Coach Zak Feaunati has named a 33-player squad for the upcoming 2022 Bunnings Warehouse Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) campaign.
Consisting of familiar names from the Hurricanes Poua and Black Ferns as well as up-and-coming local talent, the Wellington Pride are looking to unleash onto the Bunnings FPC stage in 2022 and one up their preliminary final defeat in 2021.
The experience of Black Ferns Joanah Ngan-Woo and Angel Mulu will bolster the Pride’s forward pack, alongside decorated lock/loose forward, Jackie Patea-Fereti.
The midfield looks strong with the Super Rugby pairing of Hurricanes Poua player, Monica Tagoai and Waitomo Chiefs Manawa player, Georgia Daals, while Oriental Rongotai, Hurricanes Poua and Black Ferns outside back, Ayesha Leti-I’iga will be looking to continue her form from the Pacific Four Series where she scored a hattrick against the USA and was player of the match against Canada.
“We have put together a squad of experience and youth, and that’s exciting to see. We know we have the talent here so our focus is about making sure we get that connection as a team so the girls can go out there and express themselves on the big stage,” said Feaunati.
The squad is once again captained by former Black Fern and most capped Pride player, 34-year-old loose forward Jackie Patea-Fereti, who has led the side on and off since 2012. Patea-Fereti is also the captain of Petone and co-captained the inaugural Hurricanes Poua during the 2022 Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
Head Coach Zak Feaunati said Patea-Fereti is a fantastic talent and strong leader, and he is thrilled to have her lead once again.
With a handful of new additions to the side, a few highlights include Hurricanes Poua utility back Teilah Ferguson linking up with former Otago Spirit teammate Maddie Feaunati who returns home after two seasons in the deep south.
Off the back of a strong performance for Northern United, sister duo Te Kura and Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate join the squad, while Alexis Tauaneai returns to the squad alongside her peer and local college player Justine McGregor.
“The new additions are only going to strengthen the squad. Ultimately these players will be competing for places in the match squad, which will be exciting to see in the upcoming weeks,” said Feaunati.
2022 SQUAD Ana Afuie, Marist St Pats Hosanna Aumua, Avalon Tyler Bentley, Petone Cheyne Copeland, Marist St Pats Georgia Daals, Marist St Pats Maddie Feaunati, Marist St Pats Teilah Ferguson, Poneke Nina Foaese, Northern United Harmony Ioane, Northern United Isadora Leio-Laupola, Northern United Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Oriental Rongotai Raylene Lolo, Oriental Rongotai Milly Mackey, Petone Justine McGregor, Marist St Pats Paige Misky, Northern United Angel Mulu, Northern United Thamsyn Newton, Marist St Pats Joanah Ngan-Woo, Oriental Rongotai Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate, Northern United Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Northern United Jackie Patea-Fereti, Petone Ashlyn Pescini, Poneke Alicia Print, Petone Bernadette Robertson, Oriental Rongotai Tamara Ruaporo, Northern United Sinead Ryder, Oriental Rongotai Ivana Samani, Oriental Rongotai Oneata Schwalger, Northern United Monica Tagoai Marist St Pats Alexis Tauaneai, Wainuiomata Jaydah Timu, Marist St Pats Angelica Uila, Petone Sydnee Wilkins, Marist St Pats
FIXTURES
Round 1: SATURDAY 16 JULY 2022, 12:05 Porirua Park Wellington Pride v Canterbury
Round 2: SUNDAY 24 JULY 2022, 14:05 Navigation Homes Stadium Counties Manukau Heat v Wellington Pride
Round 3: SUNDAY 31 JULY 2022, 14:05 Porirua Park Wellington Pride v Waikato
Round 4: FRIDAY 6 AUGUST – SUNDAY 8 AUGUST 2022 BYE
Round 5: SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 2022, 14:05 Central Energy Trust Arena Manawatu Cyclones v Wellington Pride
Round 6: SATURDAY 20 AUGUST 2022, 11:35 Porirua Park Wellington Pride v Bay of Plenty Volcanix
Round 7: SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2022, 12:25 Eden Park Auckland Storm v Wellington Pride
Semi-finals: FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2022 (TBC)
Finals: FRIDAY 9 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2022 (TBC)